In Search of the Novel:Teacher-TalkNovel

Teacher-TalkNovel is the email discussion list for In
Search of the Novel. Participants of the workshop series, content
guides, and Channel staff will participate in this discussion list
throughout the initial broadcast of the workshop series.

Use this space as an area to share and pose questions
about the workshop series, get to know your colleagues, as well as
ask questions about technical and access issues.

I believe the best way help students who aren't making connections with the
subject matter is to ask them "what can I do to help?" After all, WE as
teachers, are here for them, and not vice versa. Ownership is the
key--coaching students to think of ways to interpret the novel, using their
own creativity, will enable them to obtain the most from the reading.

I find the literary circles on the tapes to be quite helpful to all students,
as they are able to explore the questions they have together. Certain
students may not feel so perplexed when they discover that their peers
probably have the same questions, if not useful insight, about the material.

My favorite quote by one of the teachers on the tape was, it's "my charge to
empower the students." Once we do that, I truly agree that magic can happen,
and bridges will be built to connect literature to our students.